From the classic charm of Silly Putty to the excitement of Pokémon cards, the top Christmas toys from 1955 to 1995 shaped childhoods and holiday memories. Courtesy of Stacker, this article highlights the most iconic toys that captivated kids during these decades, showcasing timeless favorites that continue to spark nostalgia today. What was the most popular toy you were born?
1955: Silly Putty
Silly Putty originated during WWII as an accidental byproduct of synthetic rubber experiments. Despite initial practical limitations, its elastic and stretchable qualities found unexpected success as a novelty toy. By 1955, packaged in iconic plastic eggs, Silly Putty became a childhood favorite, bouncing into history with its quirky, entertaining properties.
1956: Play-Doh
Joe McVicker transformed a wallpaper cleaning compound into Play-Doh, realizing its potential as a malleable, child-friendly material. Introduced to classrooms, it became a hit for its vibrant colors and soft texture. Officially launched in 1956, Play-Doh sparked creativity worldwide, allowing children to mold, shape, and imagine with ease and joy.
1957: Water Balloons
Water balloons began as a failed attempt by inventor Edgar Ellington to create waterproof socks. When his prototype burst under pressure, inspiration struck, leading to the creation of latex water balloons. These fun “water grenades” quickly became a summer staple, bringing splashes of excitement to children and adults alike.
1958: Hula Hoop
Alex Tolmer developed a lightweight plastic version inspired by Australian kids twirling bamboo hoops. Sold under Wham-O’s marketing genius, the Hula Hoop became a global sensation. Its affordability, portability, and simple design encouraged endless hours of fun, leading to an enduring legacy as one of history’s most iconic toys.
1959: Barbie
Ruth Handler envisioned Barbie as a revolutionary doll, offering girls a 3D figure to inspire imagination. Launched in 1959, Barbie’s sophisticated wardrobe and diverse roles set her apart. Despite controversies about body image, Barbie evolved to celebrate inclusivity, inspiring children to dream big through her various professions and achievements.
1960: Etch A Sketch
French inventor André Cassagnes created Etch A Sketch, a mechanical drawing toy. After the Ohio Art Company rebranded and marketed it heavily, it became the must-have gift of Christmas 1960. Its ingenious design, allowing children to “draw” and erase effortlessly, made it a timeless tool for creative expression.
1961: Slip’ N Slide
Robert Carrier’s Slip’ N Slide offered kids a safer way to enjoy summertime sliding fun. Inspired by his children’s risky play on wet pavement, Carrier designed a durable plastic sheet with a water sprinkler attachment. This thrilling backyard toy transformed hot afternoons into endless hours of cooling entertainment.
1962: Chatter Telephone
The Chatter Telephone was born from Ernest Thornell’s playful observation of his daughter mimicking adult phone use. Adding colorful dials, wheels, and a ringing bell, he created a charming toy that combined whimsy with familiarity. This endearing toy remains a nostalgic classic for generations of children.
1963: Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven revolutionized play kitchens by allowing kids to use safe, low-heat light bulbs to bake real treats. Introduced in 1963, it sparked culinary curiosity in young bakers. Its miniature pans and colorful design made it both practical and magical, inspiring countless children to explore cooking and creativity.
1964: G.I. Joe
Hasbro’s G.I. Joe introduced the world to the “action figure,” designed to provide boys with their version of dolls. With realistic military accessories and movable joints, G.I. Joe represented bravery and adventure. Its adaptability over decades ensured its place as an enduring symbol of imaginative play and heroism.
1965: Operation
John Spinello’s Operation transformed a medical concept into a game of steady hands and high-stakes fun. Players used tweezers to remove ailments from a buzzing patient without triggering the alarm. Its mix of precision and humor made it a beloved game for family gatherings and friendly competitions.
1966: Twister
Twister tested players’ flexibility and balance, challenging them to place their hands and feet on colorful spots without toppling over. Despite initial hesitations, its appearance on The Tonight Show catapulted it into popularity. This physical, laughter-filled game became a hit at parties, encouraging hilariously tangled fun.
1967: Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite illuminated imaginations with its light-up peg designs. Whether following templates or creating freehand patterns, children delighted in the toy’s glowing masterpieces. Its straightforward yet engaging concept made it a favorite for encouraging artistic exploration while adding a touch of magic to childhood creativity.
1968: Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels took toy cars to the next level with their sleek designs, vibrant colors, and gravity-defying racetracks. Introduced by Mattel, these die-cast cars quickly gained popularity among children and collectors. Hot Wheels became synonymous with fast-paced fun, offering endless stunts and imaginative play possibilities.
1969: Snoopy Astronaut
Marking the Apollo 11 moon landing, Hasbro released Snoopy Astronaut. Featuring the beloved Peanuts character in a space suit, the toy celebrated human achievement in space exploration. Snoopy’s enduring charm and association with hope made this collectible a meaningful tribute to the era’s groundbreaking milestones.
1970: Nerf Ball
The Nerf Ball debuted as the first indoor-friendly ball, revolutionizing active play. Its soft foam design ensured safety, allowing kids to enjoy energetic games without breaking household items. This innovative toy sparked a series of Nerf products, shaping a new category of sports and recreational toys.
1971: Weebles
Thanks to their weighted bases, weebles charmed kids with their unique wobbling action. These egg-shaped figures delighted children with their colorful designs and resilience, never falling over, no matter how much they were pushed. They became a symbol of lighthearted, fun, and imaginative play for young audiences.
1972: Uno
Merle Robbins, a barbershop owner, wanted to improve on Crazy Eights, leading to the creation of Uno. He initially sold it locally before licensing it in 1972 to a funeral parlor owner. The game quickly gained national success, becoming one of the most iconic card games ever.
1973: Shrinky Dinks
In 1973, Shrinky Dinks debuted as thin plastic sheets that shrank and hardened after baking in an oven. Marketed as magic, they fascinated kids with their transformation. The science behind it was polystyrene plastic, whose polymer chains straighten when heated, creating a fun and memorable craft activity.
1974: Skateboard
Skateboarding began in 1958 when roller skate wheels were attached to a board to simulate surfing on land. It wasn’t until the 1970s and the creation of urethane wheels that skateboards became smoother and more functional, propelling skateboarding into a popular sport and cultural phenomenon that’s still thriving today.
1975: The Pet Rock
The pet rock, created by Gary Ross Dahl, was a humorous take on pet ownership. With no care or mess involved, it became a quirky sensation. The concept, paired with savvy marketing, made it a standout product, symbolizing the absurdity and brilliance of the 1970s consumer culture.
1976: Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong, introduced in 1976, was a figurine made from a special blend of plastic, rubber, and gel that could stretch up to four times its normal size. Kids loved pulling, twisting, and bending him, but his durable design meant he could never break, making him a hit toy.
1977: Atari 2600 Game System
The Atari 2600, launched in 1977, was a groundbreaking home gaming system that changed the entertainment landscape. With iconic games like “Frogger” and “Space Invaders,” it wasn’t the first home console, but it played a crucial role in shaping the future of video gaming as we know it.
1978: Star Wars Action Figures
In 1978, Kenner released the first Star Wars action figures, following the massive success of the 1977 movie. Figures of characters like Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia became instant hits, solidifying Star Wars as more than a film franchise, but a pop culture phenomenon that would dominate toys for years.
1979: Simon
Simon, introduced in 1979, was an electronic memory game that challenged players to replicate color sequences. Created by Ralph Baer, it was inspired by the Atari arcade game “Touch Me.” Unveiled at Studio 54, Simon became a popular toy, known for its addictive gameplay and becoming a staple in households.
1980: Rubik’s Cube
Invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube was introduced in 1980 and quickly became a global puzzle sensation. The colorful, twistable puzzle challenged users’ minds and provided hours of entertainment. This epic Christmas gift became a symbol of 1980s pop culture and remains a popular toy.
1981: He-Man Action Figures
In 1981, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe action figures took the toy world by storm. With a unique pull-and-release punch mechanism, these figures were nearly two inches taller than others like Star Wars and G.I. Joe. He-Man quickly became a symbol of strength and adventure for kids everywhere.
1982: My Little Pony
In 1982, Hasbro’s My Little Pony rivaled Barbie with a line of small, vinyl horses featuring bright, groomable manes. Each pony was uniquely named and adorned with a special emblem on its side, captivating children with its charm and sparking widespread popularity in the toy market.
1983: Cabbage Patch Kids
The Cabbage Patch Kids dolls took the world by storm with their distinct soft features and “adoption” process, where each doll had its own name and unique characteristics. They sparked intense toy store lines and an infamous holiday shopping frenzy. These dolls became a significant part of the ’80s holiday season.
1984: Transformers
The Transformers franchise began in 1984 when Hasbro launched action figures based on Japanese toys that transformed from robots into vehicles. This was accompanied by an expansive storyline, comic books, and TV shows. The Transformers universe expanded over time with movies, games, and even merchandise like cereal boxes.
1985: Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin was an animatronic talking bear that became one of the most beloved toys of the 80s. Children could insert storybooks into the bear’s cassette player, and Teddy would read the stories aloud, moving his mouth and eyes. The toy combined storytelling with technology and was a staple in many households.
1986: Nintendo Entertainment System
By the mid-’80s, the Atari craze had faded, and home gaming consoles seemed doomed. In 1985, Japan’s Nintendo tried to revive the market with a risky deal: retailers only paid for sold units. While it didn’t pay off immediately, the release of “Super Mario Bros” in 1986 secured gaming’s future.
1987: Hot Wheels and Matchbox Cars
Although these iconic die-cast cars have been around for decades, the late 80s saw a surge in popularity, particularly with collectors. Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars became cultural symbols, with their extensive variety of vehicles and accessories inspiring kids to race, collect, and trade them.
1988: Troll Dolls
Inspired by Scandinavian folklore, Troll Dolls were created in the late 1950s by Danish fisherman Thomas Dam. American companies quickly produced plastic versions, sparking a 1960s craze. The quirky dolls resurfaced in the late ’80s and ’90s, becoming popular toys for kids and decorative items for adult workspaces.
1989: Game Boy
The Nintendo Game Boy wasn’t the first mobile gaming device, but it was a major leap forward. With its user-friendly design, great games, and unmatched convenience, the 8-bit handheld console quickly became a hit. It succeeded the NES and revolutionized portable gaming, becoming an instant success worldwide.
1990: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
In 1990, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became a pop culture sensation, thanks to their animated series and live-action movie. With their humor, crime-fighting antics, and love of pizza, the Turtles quickly captured kids’ imaginations, driving massive sales of action figures and solidifying their place in 90s pop culture.
1991: Super Soaker
The Super Soaker was a revolutionary water gun that used a pressurized air system, allowing for powerful and long-range streams of water. It became a favorite summertime toy and dominated the water toy market for many years. The Super Soaker became synonymous with outdoor play and a key part of 90s childhood memories.
1992: Pogs
Pogs originated from a Hawaiian game played with milk bottle caps, but their modern rise came when collectible cardboard discs became a playground craze. Players stacked them and used a “slammer” to flip them over, keeping the ones they won. The simplicity of the game and the collectible designs fueled an international phenomenon.
1993: Beanie Babies
Created by Ty Warner, Beanie Babies revolutionized stuffed animals with their bean-filled bodies and unique designs. Sold with limited availability, each Beanie Baby became a collectible, sparking trading frenzies. This marketing strategy made them not just toys but investment opportunities, creating a cultural and economic sensation that captured the 1990s.
1994: Power Rangers Action Figures
Based on the hit TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, these action figures allowed kids to recreate their favorite battles against evil. Each figure represented a color-coded hero with unique weapons and abilities. Their articulation, combined with the show’s success, made them some of the most sought-after toys of the year.
1995: PlayStation
Sony’s PlayStation introduced CD-based gaming, offering enhanced graphics and immersive gameplay compared to cartridge systems. Games like Crash Bandicoot and Final Fantasy VII redefined the gaming experience. By targeting older audiences, the PlayStation also cemented its legacy as a game-changer in the video game industry, rivaling Nintendo and Sega.